What
is cinnamon?
First of all, we’ll start by saying that cinnamon is not a plant but a spice extracted from the inner bark of several trees, all from the Cinnamomum family.
Depending on the tree of origin (there are at least 250 species), some differences in color, taste and general consistency can be found. However, all species are quite common in the Caribbean –especially in South America and Southeast Asia- where they are mainly used and exported as condiments and flavors for several types of foods around the globe.
Why is it so popular?
Cinnamon is one of the oldest, most valuable spices in the history of humankind.
Mentioned in the Bible, common in Ancient Egypt and popular in medieval times, this spice has been used not only in the kitchen but in traditional health to treat a good number of afflictions such as arthritis, gout, diabetes, depression, etc.
In modern days, where natural remedies and recipes are searched to replace or, even better, enhance the action of regular pharmaceutical treatments, cinnamon represents a great alternative, serving as a useful organic ingredient you may combine to create DIY alternative treatments.
Also, given the amazing features and results that this spice provides in certain areas, it’s only normal that its popularity gets higher every day.
How do these benefits work?
With a great number of compounds and substances, this exotic spice carries great amounts of polyphenols-great antioxidants- along with other essential oils.
Substances like eugenol, Cinnamaldehyde and linalool (all great essential oils) have been studied for their relation to lipid peroxidation, something that would explain many benefits concerning LDL reductions and control of lipids in metabolism.
In addition to that, antioxidants in general, including polyphenols have a great toxicity for tumoral and cancer cells while also eliminating free radicals in the body that come as a result of all metabolic processes. These free radicals are a good source of cancer given their ability to mutate cells and alter their natural division cycle.
Preventing Cancer
As we’ve established before, cinnamon has antioxidants on its formula and these substances eliminate damaged and potential cancer cells.
Therefore, consuming natural products with high amounts of antioxidants like the cinnamon may prevent tumoral growth and development of certain types of cancer in healthy people.
On the other hand, in the case of cancer, antioxidants can ease chronic inflammation and reduce the number and effects of cancer cells. We are not suggesting as the main treatment, of course, nevertheless, it’s true that it can be combined with other great ingredients in the diet to palliate some cellular effects cancer has brought to our body.
Controlling our Glucose levels
Several studies have shown that cinnamon has a substance known as insulin potentiating factor (IPF) which, as it names indicates, which boosts the action of insulin, stimulating anabolic pathways such as gluconeogenesis that result on a reduction of glucose levels in the blood.
Although many of these studies have been proved effective solely in rats and animals, there have been results in humans as well.
Needless to say, this is something, extremely positive for people with affections like type 2 diabetes who can’t process glucose effectively.
Improving your General Diet
Reducing fats and sugar in your meals are not the sole reason we recommend you to try cinnamon with your meals.
In our previous features, we’ve stated that cinnamon is low in sugar and lowers glucose levels in the blood.
Well, that’s fabulous! Nevertheless, here we’ll add that cinnamon is delightful to the palate and tongue, smells delicious and gives an exotic touch to all your plates.
Taste is important on a diet too. To achieve a good physical condition is vital to have a healthy meal plan. And a part of doing so is to not sacrifice the taste of delicious plates and enjoy your eating moments as well.
That being said, what are you waiting for?
Eliminating Odors and Bad Breath
Cinnamon has the great property of neutralizing odors and oral bad breath, leaving an exquisite, sweet-scented aroma behind.
The reasons behind this are pretty simple. This spice has a microbial activity against bacteria and fungus, especially the anaerobic bacteria present in oral cavity and armpits.
Therefore, in case of strong odors around the house, in your mouth or other places, we suggest you to first, clean the area and apply some cinnamon oil or a solution/scrub based on cinnamon (not directly because it’s irritating to the mucosa) and you’ll see how it disappears!
Serving as a palliative treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases
While this hasn’t been 100% proved, some studies suggest that cinnamon oils serve as a palliative treatment for Alzheimer and Parkinson’s diseases respectively.
How? By protecting neurons and other CNS system cells from oxidative stress in Parkinson’s disease- and inhibiting the formation and synthesis of some molecules responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.
Getting rid of Bad Cholesterol
Cinnamon is effective in reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood while maintaining regular levels of good HDL cholesterol intact.
This is especially great for those searching for a selective way to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in blood without compromising the natural balance of lipids in metabolism.
Treating Chronic Inflammatory Reactions
Inflammation is a natural response to the body to an external threat, it’s beneficial most of the time and it helps us to recognize that something is not in order.
However, chronic inflammatory reactions are highly negative and harmful for the organism because they produce many toxic cells and affect the correct functioning of regular cells.
For this reason in chronic inflammatory afflictions like rheumatisms, arthritis, ulcerous colitis, and some other autoimmune diseases, treatments with cinnamon oil can be quite effective to ease the reaction and prevent further inflammation.
Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
This spice can prevent afflictions like arteriosclerosis by controlling high sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood. These two are the main ingredients in the formation of clots, thrombosis, and embolism. Also, several cardiopathies like congestive ones are caused by hypertension which can be controlled by significantly reducing sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Aiding in Gastrointestinal Afflictions
Although cinnamon is highly irritating to some mucous parts and when it’s used for a long time, the usage of this spice can be of benefit for the prevention of duodenal ulcers and other inflammatory gastric problems.
As a plus, some meals are more delicious with cinnamon, for that reason, you won’t skip them and with that, you’ll be helping yourself to prevent several gastrointestinal problems.
Preserving Foods
In ancient Egypt Cinnamon was used to preserve mummies. In modern days we can give it a use to keep our meals preserved as well. Note, not all of them but some!
The reason behind this is the power this spice has to prevent oxidative reactions, essential for the process of decomposition.
Achieving a Healthy Scalp
Since the herb has antifungal activity it can treat seborrheic affections and help your hair to grow healthily. Moreover, cinnamon oil is an ingredient on several shampoos and hair treatments to give brilliance, form and a great scent for gorgeous hair!
Stimulating Libido
It’s no secret that cinnamon is a natural aphrodisiac.
Combined with chocolate and other foods can stimulate sexual drive and rise erotism in the couple for a fulfilling and exciting sexual life.
Fighting Fungus, Bacteria…and Parasites!
Is has been mentioned before, however, what we haven’t told you yet is that cinnamon has anti-nematode activity, being extremely toxic to some species of nematodes.
Getting Beautiful Lips & Skin
Many products in the market such as balms and lotions have cinnamon on their formula and this is because the spice in oil provides a lovely scent and helps to both hydrate and lighten the tone of the skin and lips.
Easing POS in Women
First, cinnamon helps with Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome by reducing the insulin tolerance and increase of glucose and lipids in blood that pathologically results in an overproduction of masculine hormones which also prevents correct ovulation and carries other clinical manifestations.
Second, some sources indicate that the spice is good to reduce bleeding and pain caused by menstruation, this is not exactly true.
Reality is that cinnamon causes uterine contraction that results in a better blood conduction through the area and a decrease of the pain caused by the physiological endometrial peeling.
Therefore, cinnamon helps through the pain as well. However, be careful.
Everybody is different and some hemorrhagic side effects are not off hand.
Functioning as a plague controller
It’s quite useful, as an insecticide for your garden, killing mosquitos, worms, and other insects.
This is important since these living organisms represent a good source for many diseases.
Better to prevent than to lament.
Boosting the Immune System for Chronic Diseases
Cinnamon along with other natural remedies is good to boost the immune system in case of pathologies such as cancer, tuberculosis, AIDS-HIV, Lupus, etc. Not only it helps to synthesize new cells but also it helps to provide a better quality of life for patients when used in a diet.
Making you feel better!
Last but not least, this tasty ingredient helps you through nothing but a sense of wellbeing and happiness.
In the past, it has been used to treat depression!
Probably because of its taste and smell, cinnamon is capable of stimulating sensorial receptors in the brain which favor positive signals and great neurotransmitters.
As a result, you feel better, happier and satiated.
What more can you ask for?
At this point, do you need any more reasons to try it on yourself and start enjoying the greatness of feeling and looking healthier each day?
Start today, a long path in the final road to health is open for you.
